It’s a Start

After our Jean-jee red ennagh series, where our readers told us their thoughts and concerns of the cost of living crisis, we asked the same readers for their response to the gov’s support package.

This response came from an islander who said we need major structural reform on the island.

Great to see some initiatives brought forward however April will bring a new set of challenges so hopefully the time will be used to bring about more lasting changes. 

To simply things they should just put together a matrix from tax records and benefits records and send out subs based on levels of income /age/ dependents to ensure everyone meets a minimum living wage criteria.

 Sure there will be some gaps but it would in the short term be a good place to start until more lasting analysis can be completed and alternatives implemented if still needed. 

Tax records are a year old so some situations regarding income stream or lifestyle/health needs  may have radically changed and there needs to be a pathway for anyone falling between the cracks. 

Dropping fares to encourage using the buses is great for environment and ways to get to work in a more cost efficient way  with the rising petrol costs  is a good way to start however masking on them should be strongly considered as mandatory given the close quarters to thwart increase of illness spread especially in winter amongst drivers and passengers.  Do we have the resources for increased demand  and  perhaps extra routes  and extended hours to accommodate shift workers 

Perhaps incentives for carpooling could be considered 

Many older buildings and flats use gas or oil for heating so the “savings” on electrics by freezing the tariff will go towards paying Manx gas so in reality we’re robbing Peter to support Paul instead of taking control of Manx gas and  having control over the tariffs on both utilities